Ferrer begins phase III studies on new compound Ozenoxacin to treat skin infections

BY BIOCAT

The Ferrer Grupo will start phase III clinical trials on Ozenoxacin, a novel antibacterial compound of second-generation non-fluorinated quinolone, for topical treatment of skin infections. The trials will be carried out on 465 patients that have been diagnosed with impetigo in 50 centers in the United States, South Africa, Germany, Romania, India and the Ukraine. This Catalan pharmaceutical group expects the first patients to enter trials in February and finish in the first quarter of 2013.

Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection. It is most common in babies, children and those who play contact sports or live in closed environments, but not in adults. This affliction normally manifests in blisters or ulcers on the face, neck, hands and torso. These may spread to other parts of the body and be transmitted to other individuals through direct contact with the lesions, through nasal fluids, sharing towels, etc.

There are two types of impetigo: bullous, which causes painless, fluid-filled blisters, and non-bullous, which is more contagious and causes ulcers that tear open easily. Both bullous and non-bullous impetigo are mainly caused by the Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.

In addition to its applications to treat impetigo and other dermatological conditions, Ozenoxacin is also being assessed for its potential to be applied to various systemic indications, like bone, joint or pulmonary infections.

In clinical and pre-clinical studies, the bactericidal action of Ozenoxacin (via potent dual inhibition of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) has been shown to confer an excellent in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity against a broad range of pathologically relevant bacteria, including clinical isolates of organisms with emerging resistance to quinolones and other commonly prescribed topical antibiotics. Additionally, it shows none of the adverse side effects commonly associated with topically formulated halogenated quinolones, such as photoirritation, sensitization potential or photoallergic reactions.

Ferrer obtained exclusive worldwide rights to Ozenoxacin (except in China, Japan and Taiwan) from Japanese company Toyama.

Ferrer: 6 R&D centers and 13 production plants

Founded in 1959, Ferrer Grupo is present in more than 90 countries and has 23 international subsidiaries, six R&D centers (four in Spain) and thirteen production plants (seven in Spain). Their research and production capacities cover the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, vaccine, fine chemicals, food additives and animal nutrition sectors.

In recent years, the company has focused on diversification, mainly in the fields of prescription drugs, hospital products, molecular diagnostics, OTC and personal healthcare. This trend is linked to the strategic alliances the company has forged and consolidated.